I am almost finished learning at a driving school and want to buy a new car. My preferences are: 1. City driving 70% and highway is 30% 2. Automatic transmission 3. Safety is the top priority 4. Budget up to 13 lakh 5. Petrol variant 6. The rear seat should comfortably accommodate 3 passengers, and the boot space should be good 7. Planning to keep the car for at least 5 years Since I am new to this, I am seeking suggestions from the experts.

Autocar India

•22h

For your budget and requirements, the Honda Amaze CVT is one of the strongest options. It offers a smooth CVT gearbox, a refined 1.2-litre petrol engine and a spacious 420-litre boot, making it very practical for both daily use and occasional trips. The driving experience is easy and stress-free, especially in city conditions, and it also benefits from a full 5-star rating in BNCAP, which adds to the overall sense of security. The only limitation is that performance is more relaxed than sporty, so overtakes on highways will need some planning when fully loaded.Another option worth considering is the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. It is well priced, has also scored a 5-star safety rating, and offers a more sorted ride quality along with a more spacious cabin. However, its 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine is not as smooth or refined as the Amaze’s 4-cylinder unit, and the AMT transmission feels a bit more basic compared to the seamless nature of the Amaze’s CVT.

Honda Amaze

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Autocar India

•3h

The new Renault Duster 1.0 turbo-petrol should be acceptable in the city, but it is not the most effortless choice for predominantly urban use like yours.The 1.0 turbo makes about 99hp and 160-166Nm, and the torque comes in from around 2,000rpm, so performance at low revs will feel merely adequate rather than strong. You will need to work the gearbox to keep the engine in its power band, especially with a full load or on inclines, and that can get tiring in bumper‑to‑bumper traffic. The good bit is that the clutch is light and the engine reasonably refined, so it won’t feel cumbersome or heavy in daily use.However, there is no automatic with the 1.0 turbo. It comes only with a 6‑speed manual, which is a drawback for an 85% city‑running profile. If you prioritise smoothness and ease over outright punch, an automatic CVT in this segment will suit you better.The Kia Seltos 1.5 iVT offers seamless, jerk‑free power delivery and feels very smooth and responsive in typical city driving. Similarly, the Hyundai Creta 1.5 petrol CVT, which has the same gearbox as the Seltos, is another good option. Both the Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Creta make urban driving more relaxing, even if performance is only adequate rather than exciting.

Renault Duster

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

Autocar India

•4h

The Maruti Suzuki Invicto is nowhere near as popular as its twin, the Toyota Innova HyCross, though both are virtually the same car. With the Invicto not being in as much demand, better discounts are possible, but you will also take a hit in resale value when you go to sell it. If you are comfortable with the Maruti-Suzuki badge, choose the Invicto Zeta+ (7‑seater) strong‑hybrid. It offers the most usable three‑row comfort, smooth city driving, and the widest service network.At over 4.7 m long and with about a 2,850 mm wheelbase, it offers real space across three rows. The strong‑hybrid setup keeps the city running very smooth, often shutting the engine off at low speeds and running on pure electric power. As a result, fuel efficiency is very good.The one thing you give up is ADAS features. The Invicto doesn’t offer lane keep, adaptive cruise, or AEB, which some rivals provide at this size. If you specifically want ADAS and more top‑end features, consider the Toyota Innova HyCross Hybrid ZX (O) instead. It adds active safety tech, but it will cost you more and involve longer wait periods.

Maruti Suzuki Invicto

Toyota Innova HyCross